High Point Market Authority names 3 honorees of 2026 DAA Awards
HIGH POINT – The High Point Market Authority’s Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) will celebrate its annual Diversity Advocacy Alliance Awards at a presentation ceremony and mixer set for Oct. 18.
To be held at The Spinning Room at Congdon Yards, the event will be emceed by interior design Michel Smith Boyd. Three awards will be presented to stakeholders within the home furnishings industry who exemplify characteristics that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Lighting resource Crystorama will receive the Open Arms Award, awarded for inclusivity and hospitality towards all showroom visitors regardless of race, gender or orientation.
Professional home stager and HGTV personality Nikki Watson will receive the Mentorship Award, which honors industry leaders who share their knowledge to foster success for established and next-generation professionals. She also is a member of The Design Besties, which received DAA’s Social Responsibility Award in 2025.
Ebony Staten, an interior designer and founder of non-profit organization The Vogue Room Foundation, will receive the Social Responsibility Award, for her work supporting minority college students.
“Our industry is at its best when it reflects the breadth of people, perspectives and creative voices it serves,” said Benjamin Johnston, founder and principal designer of Benjamin Johnston Design and DAA committee chair. “This fall, we are proud to celebrate the leaders who are not simply talking about progress, but actively creating it and helping build a stronger, more inclusive future for the design and furnishing industry.”
The event, starting at 5 p.m., with the award presentation starting at 5:45 p.m., will take place at Congdon Yards, 410 W English Rd., on the third floor in the Spinning Room. It is open to all Fall Market pass holders, and free parking is available onsite.
Gold Level sponsors include Fabricut and Leftbank Art. Bronze Level sponsors include Benjamin Johnston Design, Chaddock, Design Biz Survival Guide, Feizy Rugs, Interior Design Society, Janus et Cie, Rock House Farm Family of Brands, Theodore Alexander and Verellen. Friends of DAA sponsors include Crystorama and WorkTheBrand PR.
